THE IMPACT OF WOOD PRODUCTS

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and cabinets are the most important element to any kitchen. When it comes time to purchase furniture or cabinetry for the home, there are endless options out there. Between styles, finishes, materials and more, choosing these products can take some time and research. You want products that not only look good, but are good for your home and the environment. It’s important to have all the facts when choosing the right materials and products to go into your home.

Using wood and wood-based products, including laminate and wood composite, in your home is one of the many options out there for your cabinets. There are pros and cons to any choice, and it’s important to do research and determine the products that best fit your home and family.

According to The Freedonia Report, wood and wood-based materials are still the most frequently used materials for cabinet manufacturing, accounting for 60% of the market demand. The consumption of wood-based materials for the production of cabinets is expected to rise 9.4% annually through 2021.

In this post we want to highlight one of the reasons for using wood and wood-based products – the environmental impact.

Wood products are an environmentally friendly choice for a number of reasons. They are recyclable, biodegradable and use less energy to process than metals and plastic. Despite popular belief, the key to saving our forests isn’t by discontinuing use of wood products, it’s in responsible and sustainable forest management. Wood is also a naturally renewable resource, meaning new trees will grow in place of those that have already been harvested. In addition to renewing themselves, new trees are often planted to help the forest thrive. 

Photo courtesy of Forest Stewardship Council

Now more than ever we can use wood products without the fear of diminishing wood supply or forest prosperity. The reason being that many forests are harvested using sustainable forest practices which assure the forests remain healthy. By purchasing wood and wood products supplied by a recognized sustainable forestry program you will be ensuring the health of the environment and your family. Look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) – a group that sets standards for responsible forest management; Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) – a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management; or other creditable labels on your wood products.

In 2006, KCMA developed the Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) to encourage practices that benefit the environment and communities served by cabinet manufacturers. The ESP goes beyond other environmental programs by taking a holistic approach to certification, holding the industry to high standards for their products, forest sustainability and manufacturing processes.

Learn more about KCMA’s Environmental Stewardship Program and check out other resources for homeowners on the KCMA website.

And remember, when choosing the right cabinets for your home, make sure to take the time to research the materials being used, and learn about the pros and cons of each. By being thorough, you will rest assured knowing you chose the right cabinets for your home that will last you a lifetime.